WIRRAL-born Sean O'Connor has been named as the new executive producer of Eastenders.

The Archers' editor has been lined up to replace Dominic Treadwell-Collins, who has been in the job since 2013 and has decided to step down in late spring.

Sean has been involved with The Archers, on and off, since the late 1990s.

As the series editor, he has been credited with "sexing up" Ambridge with storylines including torrid affairs and domestic abuse.

He previously worked on the show as a director, producer and story producer. He was behind the award-winning Kat and Zoe Slater story, as well as the courtship of Dot Cotton and Jim Branning.

“I’m thrilled to be back in Walford and particularly delighted to work once more with many dear friends and colleagues both backstage and on screen.

"I loved my time working at EastEnders previously; there’s nothing quite as challenging nor as rewarding.

"So I feel very honoured to be asked back to lead the wonderful cast, crew and production team at Elstree,” he said.

Before his exit, Dominic will preside over the death of Albert Square matriarch Peggy Mitchell, played by Dame Barbara Windsor, and the return of Ross Kemp as Peggy's son Grant.

Dominic said: "My love for EastEnders is no secret and so the decision to leave Walford has not been one I have taken lightly.

"When I commit to something, I always give it my all – and after two and a half years of giving my blood to Walford, it is time for me to move on to other things – and keep EastEnders creatively refreshed, something that it has to do to stay at the top of its game."